The Geauga County Retired Teachers Association (GCRTA) awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Munsonite Michael Depner at the association’s annual picnic Aug. 5 held at the Geauga Park District’s Swine Creek Reservation. Michael is a senior in the College of Education at Kent State University. Michael, his entire family and 90 members of the GCRTA attended the event.

Congratulations and best wishes for continued success to Michael Depner.

SWCD Rain Barrel Auction

Munsonite Mary Samide, award winning artist, contributes her time and talent every year to the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign. Samide’s depiction of “Gypsy Horse Go-Round” is on display at Beans Coffee Shop in Chardon in August and Schneider’s Saddlery in Bainbridge in September.

The weather-proof, recycled barrels of the six artists who participated this year are on display at various locations throughout Geauga County and are open for bidding. Barrels may also be viewed and bids placed at geaugaswcd.com.

For more information, call the GSWCD at 440-834-1122, ext. 2, or visit gprunty@gswcd.com.

Notre Dame Elementary School

Tours are held the first Tuesday of every month at 9:30 a.m. for prospective students in grades preschool through eight at Notre Dame Elementary School, 13000 Auburn Road in Munson.

Appointments can also be made by calling Freddie Lelko at the preschool at 440-286-7101, ext. 5920 or Josephine Ambrose for the elementary school at 440-279-1129.

Visit www.notredameelementary.org for more information.

WomenSafe, Inc.

The Home Savings Charitable Foundation has donated $2,500 to WomenSafe toward the services and shelter provided to victims of domestic violence and abuse at The Green House on Ravenna Road in Munson. Shayna Jackson, executive director, reports that the shelter has provided a 61 percent increase in the number of emergency shelter days over the last year.

The Green House is always in need of monetary donations as well as household items for victims who are in the process of relocating.

For more information, call 440-286-7154.

With the Arts

The Geauga Park District will hold a reception for the Plein Air Painters, featuring the work of Mary Ann Sedivy, on Aug. 16 from 7-9 p.m. at the West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township. Sedivy’s artworks illustrate “An Artist’s Journey Through the Parks.”

Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 440-286-9516 or visit www,geaugaparkdistrict.org.

At the Senior Center

The Caregivers Support Group will meet Aug. 19 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Chardon Senior Center, 12555 Ravenwood Drive in Munson. The monthly meetings offer information and support to those caring for a loved one.

Meetings are free; refreshments served. For more information, call Vicky at 440-279-2130.

Also at the Chardon Senior Center, Watercolor Painting with Connie will be held Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. Artists of all levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies. For more information, call Becky at 440-279-2130.

Senior Day at the Great Geauga County Fair will be Aug. 29. Admission is free for those 65 years and older. Deadline for registration for free transportation to the fair is Aug. 18. Call 440-279-2130.

With the Genealogical Society

The Genealogical Society extends an open invitation to attend a special meeting with archivist Claire Wilson at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 in the Bostwick room at the Geauga County Library. Wilson will discuss the genealogical and historical holdings of the Geauga County Archives. This is a rare opportunity to obtain information on the Geauga County Archives.

For information, call the library at 440-285-7601 or visit info@gcgs.oh.org.

Outdoor Flea Market

Munson Township will hold its annual outdoor flea market Sept. 6, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Munson Park on Bass Lake Road. Antiques, garage sale items and arts and crafts are welcome. Table space rental forms are now available at the township office. To download a form, visit www.munsontwp.com. For more information, call the office at 440-286-9255.